Learn about the process of making tea at the hidden gem of Dambatenne Tea Factory. Sir Thomas Lipton built the tea factory in 1890, with some of the original machinery he used still on display in the factory. Learn about the various production techniques, and try different kinds of tea. See the circular machines, which demonstrate the refining processes required to make top-quality tea, then enjoy mountain views after you finish the tour. On your way to the factory, you can see tea workers collecting the leaves. The tea processing takes place on certain days, so check the factory's schedule before you visit in order not to miss out on a special learning experience. A visit to Dambatenne Tea Factory represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Haputale trip builder to plot your vacation.

Excited to discover a beautiful tea plantation, we come to the site and here we are asked to stand in a corner with another couple. After a quarter of an hour an employee just tell us that more than half of the machines is no longer a this time (it is 1: 30 p.m. visits being until 18: 00...), but the price remains the same... Surprised but having little choice we pay and it is left for the visit, shipped in a quarter of an hour, the guide Nick is on the phone while he charge us explanations in incomprehensible English showing no enthusiasm well instead site we really feel for causing him trouble during his NAP. Certainly we see the process and machines (off so for the most part)... At the end of the sprint he asks us what we want to buy we ask then or is scheduled tasting at the end of the visit and he replies jokingly that there is no possible tasting... Strangely we leave very disappointed of this experience and the attitude of the staff (besides the oppression of an employee begging for 10 rupees for the use of the toilet, even that it is not included in the visit...). However we strongly recommend to make the descent to Haputale (11kms) walk along the plantations of teas, you can observe local life and views and enjoy the calm that reigns there.

Dominik F

Nice building and machinery. Tour was underwhelming, the guide was explaining the process in broken English. Due to the background noise it was very hard to understand. 250 Lkr per person without tasting at the end. It is possible to buy tea at the end but there is no choice and they only sell bagged tea.

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Sebastian Navas

We went to the factory expecting to learn more about tea but end up with nothing new. Factory is nice and could be a great tour but the guide just took us around showing the machine like he was in a rush. I wouldn't recommend to pay for the tour, but if you are there just walk around the plantations there are some nice views

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Mike Dowsett

Interesting to see the process, some great industrial machines. The tea plantations are fantastic, and worth the tuk tuk ride up to Lipton's Seat

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Andrew L

This tea factory was built by Sir Thomas Lipton, and it has hardly changed. It's like stepping back in time seeing an antiquated production process that produces tea within 24 hours of being picked.
We went on a Monday; not a good idea as no tea was picked the day before and the factory was not producing much. Also they are not set up for tourists as the guide spoke very poor English and their retail sales were limited to a few boxes of tea in the cabinet of the tasting room.
Even so, I'd fully recommend it.
PS: On Lipton's Tea web site, it says that the they are the largest brand in the world. That makes Dambatenne the "Mecca" of tea. All tea lovers should be encouraged to make "pilgrimage" for a fresh cup of their wonderful product.

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Chaminda Gamage

You can see how a leaf of tea becomes an instant tea bag. For a small fee, staff give you a guided tour around the tea factory showing you how fresh tea leaves dry, crush and packed for export. Even you can buy tea bags made at the factory after the tour.
It is very scenic drive and takes about 1 hour from Haputale town.

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